System Case Alternatives???

colinpollock · Post by **colinpollock** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:05 am

Newbie here.

I just bought my first BMW. An R1150R. All I can says is wow....

Anyways, the bike did not come with any cases, so I am now shopping around for some. I'm wondering if anyone has ever mounted something other than the BMW system cases on a R1150R. I am considering Givi E360 side cases, but their website does not indicate they have a rack to fit the R1150R.

Has anyone tried mounting Givi's? Is it possible?

I've tried to search through the forums for answers, but all I could find was many people mounted top cases, which is good to know. I however, was unable to find any information on Givi side cases.

If this is not possible, and I have to resort to the Systems Cases (which in my opinion are over-priced) where is the cheapest place to buy them and a mounting rack?

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:54 am

colinpollock wrote:Newbie here.

I just bought my first BMW. An R1150R. All I can says is wow....

Anyways, the bike did not come with any cases, so I am now shopping around for some. I'm wondering if anyone has ever mounted something other than the BMW system cases on a R1150R. I am considering Givi E360 side cases, but their website does not indicate they have a rack to fit the R1150R.

Has anyone tried mounting Givi's? Is it possible?

I've tried to search through the forums for answers, but all I could find was many people mounted top cases, which is good to know. I however, was unable to find any information on Givi side cases.

If this is not possible, and I have to resort to the Systems Cases (which in my opinion are over-priced) where is the cheapest place to buy them and a mounting rack?

You should be able to pick up the pannier rails and some boxes (remember you need the smaller back-plate on the left) 2nd hand from any BMW forum or ebay.

Post by **MikeCam** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:56 pm

Alternatives:
Jesse's
Pelican
Storm
Happy Trails
Givi
Gobi
Hepco-Becker (?)

Too many links to link...check out

http://www.advrider.com

and the bikes section to see the scores of options that will also fit the Roadster (same rails, mounting points, sub-frame bits, etc

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 7:00 pm

Systems Cases (which in my opinion are over-priced)

Over priced.........................................................Yes.

Are they worth it..................................................Yes.

Are they better than anything eles around...IMHO...Yes.

DJ

Post by **MikeCam** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 7:03 pm

DJ,

It's okay with me if you drop the 'H' and just post IMO. You've earned it.

Cam

Post by **wncbmw** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 9:44 pm

There are alternatives. None work as well and you won't be happy until you have a set.

Check the used market. IBMWR.org has a classified that works well for buying and selling. I sold a set of case rails there myself. There are some used BMW parts places where you probably get the rails. Cycles Recycled in Morganton, NC sells used BMW parts.

Used cases might be scuffed but it is only a matter of time before you do it to a new set, might as well start out scuffed!

Post by **challey** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 12:18 pm

I'll second the recomendations for the system cases.
They are pricey but also are roomy, waterproof, reasonably secure and fit like they were made for the bike ('cause they were). If you can't find a used set, you can order new from Chicago BMW at 20% off the list price. Remember that you need the not only the mounting rails but also reflectors, badges and locksets (get the codeable type so you can use your ignition key). Should run around under $650 or so at a 20% discount.

GeoffJ · Post by **GeoffJ** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 3:01 pm

You can't go wrong with the BMW system cases. They're water-tight; use the bike's ignition key; look like they belong on the bike; and the mounting brackets aren't as obtrusive as the aftermarket type.

Paul Mihalka · Post by **Paul Mihalka** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 4:19 pm

If you want full carrying capacity, there is a BMW kit that lowers the muffler to horizontal and then you can fit a full size left bag from a R11xxRT.

Post by **queenpdog** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:35 pm

As far as the system cases go, there are two used sets on the ADVrider site in the marketplace. Have a look.

I agree that they are the best option for this bike, but I do wish there was a good top-loading option. I feel like you can make better use of the space with the top load variety.

Good luck on your search, and enjoy the new bike!

Post by **scottybooj** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 8:28 pm

alternatives:

FedEx
UPS
Airborne
DHL

Post by **Biff's R** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 5:43 am

To me the Givis do not look that good. It is like putting a rear spoiler from Autozone on a 911.

I usually do not ride with the cases on, and none of the alternatives have smaller mounting brackets than the system cases.

Samiam · Post by **Samiam** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 2:51 pm

As I just posted elsewhere, mine were $721, NEW, from my dealer, including reflectors, roundels, ignition-keyed locks and tax. Non-BMW cases just don't look as good to my eyes and the BMW mounting rack is the most unobtrusive I've ever seen - looks like a plain old parcel rack.

I did consider the big aluminium Touratecs because they look so touring-serious, but I read that they severely limit cornering.

Just one teensy complaint; I really wish that my full face Shoei would fit in the right case. Close but no cigar.

Ebet · Post by **Ebet** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 12:41 am

I have Jesse cases on my 1150R and I think they are great. Some may not like the way they look, but they hold a enormous amount of gear and they are narrower than the System Cases (but wider than the City Lids) would be. The only disadvantage is that you can't mount a topcase without fabricating some special set-up. My solution was a Wunderlich seat bag which has also worked very well and holds a full face helmet.

Xray28 · Post by **Xray28** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:41 am

Never ever ever...let a DEET based misquito repellant come in contact with the body of a system case. The DEET turns that lovely black polymer into something resembling...Well, black slime. I had Muskol (100% DEET) in it's original unopened bottle, sealed with electricians tape, inside a Pelican water tight case in my right System case. The stuff leaked, dissolving the adhesive on the E tape, caused the LEXAN Pelican case to fall apart, and dissolved a good portion of the plastic of my Right hand system case. Oh, yeah, and the red plastic handle of my Swiss Army knife. (Virtonix was very nice and replaced the handle gratis). I may have mentioned this on a previous post, but I thought it might be worth restating. The stuff is hell on misquitoes and plastic.

Post by **Ansink66** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 4:43 am

Hi colinpollock,

If you think your R1150R is great now, it will only get better! The more miles you ride her, the smoother the engine will run.

The BMW system cases are expensive, butÃ¢â‚¬Â¦
- the cases look good and are easy to use
- the mounting rack is hardly noticeable, which is nice if you want to ride it without the cases
- although not advertised by BMW, the inside stayÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s dry no matter how hard it rains
- as an option you can fit locks that open with your ignition key
- excellent quality and very durable

I bought my Atlanta blue R1150R with the system cases in 2002, and have made several long trips through Europe with it (been to places as Pompeii, North Cape, and Gibraltar). These BMW system cases are dependable and easy to use. I just love them. Although expensive, they are worth it.

Cheers,

Emile (The Hague, Netherlands)

Oilhead · Post by **Oilhead** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 8:39 am

One thing about the BMW factory bags....they are super tough.

When I bought my first BMW in 1995, a brand new K75A/3, I was taken back by the cost of the factory Integral cases. The parts manager pulls out an old scratched up one from behind the counter. He proceeds to bang the bag very hard against the counter top...BANG BANG BANG BANG!!!

The BMW integral bag survived the beating intact. I was sold!

jon pierce · Post by **jon pierce** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:32 am

Another good thing about the BMW bags is that BM make smart looking good fitting soft inner bags. These can help you get more stuff inside (like you can with top laoding hard bags) and of course it means you can pack your bags inside your home and subsequently walk into any hotel etc with the soft bags rather than the dirty hard bags themselves. They are great for organizing your gear in your tent when camping as well.

As for being able to put a helmet in the bags you must remember that BMW makes the bags to fit their own system helmet..............which for some reason they seem not to import to the US.

colinpollock · Post by **colinpollock** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:06 am

Wow. Thanks everyone for the great feedback.

I was unaware that the System Cases were waterproof. Because BMW sold "Liners" for the cases, I assumed they leaked considerably and needed an additional bag to keep the contents of the case dry. Thanks for setting me straight.

I've seen the two sets of cases for sale on http://www.ibmwr.org/market/. Unfortunately for me, my budget is stretched pretty thin this month already, with buying insurance and registration for my new ride. Hopefully they will still be around in a pay check or two, or some other used sets appear.

I've heard BMW of Santa Cruz County and Sierra BMW offer good prices, but not Chicago BMW. I had a peek on their website, but I can't seem to find anything discussing System Cases. Do I need to call them for pricing?

Post by **sjbmw** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:10 am

Oilhead wrote:One thing about the BMW factory bags....they are super tough.

When I bought my first BMW in 1995, a brand new K75A/3, I was taken back by the cost of the factory Integral cases. The parts manager pulls out an old scratched up one from behind the counter. He proceeds to bang the bag very hard against the counter top...BANG BANG BANG BANG!!!

The BMW integral bag survived the beating intact. I was sold!

My right case came away with nothing but a scuff mark when I crashed.
The entire weight of the bike bounced on that thing! Yes they are TOUGH.

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System Case Alternatives???

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